Nonprofit raises money for programs that may not make the cut in Evesham Township public schools.

Dave Scott,, an Evesham resident and father of three, said that a generation ago he moved his family to the area because he wanted his children to attend better schools. 

Bill Smitheman, a certified public accountant who lives and works in Evesham, said his 8-year-old daughter Charlotte Smitheman has begun playing the violin, thanks to extracurricular options at Beeler Elementary School.

Scott's desires to preserve the legacy of a solid Evesham education and Smitheman's aspirations for his daughter is why they say they are, respectively, treasurer and president of the Evesham Education Foundation (EEF).

The volunteer-run nonprofit organization has spent the last 30 years raising funds and collecting in-kind donations through events such as golf tournaments, designer bag bingos and casino nights to donate nearly $1.5 million to an assortment of educational programs that "enhance the skills and development" of Evesham Township School District students.

Now the nonprofit's mission may be more important than ever.

In January, school Superintendent Justin Smith and Business Administrator Jonathan Yates unveiled the district’s preliminary 2025-26 budget, stating that an eighth straight year of state aid cuts seemed all but certain, meaning all elementary school extracurriculars such as Charlotte's violin lessons and the cross-country team that Scott's children once joined are likely on the chopping block.

Late buses, several teacher positions and the student enrichment program known as Team Time could also be cut, according to the district's preliminary budget presentation, and some class sizes could increase from 24 students to 30 students.

"How are these teachers going to get through all that work without there being some loss of prep?" Smitheman asked during a 70and73.com interview.

In an email to the reporter, Superintendent Smith called the nonprofit "an amazing group of people" for supporting the district.

Smith said of the nonprofit: "When we say (EEF), we mean people, incredible people — leaders, from our local businesses, our communities — all sharing a common mission of supporting students to the greatest extent possible. Our district is grateful every day for EEF's efforts."

Smitheman said he is proud of the nonprofit fund's track record, which includes sending "100% of the money we generate, in one way, shape or form, back to the school district, back towards the programs." 

In the last two school years, the fund supported the district's summer programs with $10,000 for the Coordinated Arts Program for Primary Students, $10,000 for Metamorphosis, the program that helps selected incoming sixth- and seventh-graders get acclimated and $10,000 for Tier III, the district-wide program that teaches gifted and talented students about life and career concepts. Other donations have included $35,000 to support middle school counseling and $1,600 to frame the art in the annual district art show.

Other donations went to new middle school wrestling uniforms, Marlton Elementary’s new playground and the Jaggard Elementary School's new outdoor eating area, Smitheman said. 

"We are trying to build a more recurring-income type of situation where we have a membership or an annual sponsorship that's not event-driven," Smitheman said. For example, a local business may be willing to donate $1,000 annually or there may be different levels of memberships for residents of the community.

Individuals and businesses interested in learning more about EEF or making a donation may visit the organization's website at eveshameducationfoundation.org.